Reloading bench orginization ideas?
- Thread starter TrxR
- Start date
Why the cable locks around the RCBS and Dillon presses? Just wondering.
Currently do not have photos but my set up is not all that formal. Rather than a specific set up here are some general guidelines.
I try to keep the worktable itself as clear as possible. The only things on the worktable at any given time are the tools and materials needed for the specific rounds I'm working on.
There is no storage on or behind the work table. I don't want to look at a bunch of storage in the background while I'm working.
Storage is on a couple of those inexpensive resin utility shelves that you often see on sale at Home Depot or Cajun Tire for $30 or so.
The storage shelves are located along the wall behind my seat. That is, when I am seated at the table, my back is to the storage shelves.
All items on those shelves are stored in plastic shoe box-sized boxes with latching lids.
Items in those boxes are generally sorted by function: dies in one box, case prep tools in another box, 223 bullets in one box, 223 brass in one box, and so on.
For ammo that I make in small batches, like 32 WSL, I keep the dies, bullets, and brass in a single box.
All boxes are labeled.
I try to keep the original packaging for all of my tools. I keep the boxes in a closet elswhere in the house. The idea is that the original boxes may add value to the items, even if only nostalgic value for someone, should I ever have to sell the things.
An RCBS single stage press is permanently mounted on the bench in a comfortable location. A Lee Reloader press can be temporarily mounted on the table when I'm in the mood for sequential rather than batch tasks.
I do not keep my OCD meds in the shop although I probably should.
I try to keep the worktable itself as clear as possible. The only things on the worktable at any given time are the tools and materials needed for the specific rounds I'm working on.
There is no storage on or behind the work table. I don't want to look at a bunch of storage in the background while I'm working.
Storage is on a couple of those inexpensive resin utility shelves that you often see on sale at Home Depot or Cajun Tire for $30 or so.
The storage shelves are located along the wall behind my seat. That is, when I am seated at the table, my back is to the storage shelves.
All items on those shelves are stored in plastic shoe box-sized boxes with latching lids.
Items in those boxes are generally sorted by function: dies in one box, case prep tools in another box, 223 bullets in one box, 223 brass in one box, and so on.
For ammo that I make in small batches, like 32 WSL, I keep the dies, bullets, and brass in a single box.
All boxes are labeled.
I try to keep the original packaging for all of my tools. I keep the boxes in a closet elswhere in the house. The idea is that the original boxes may add value to the items, even if only nostalgic value for someone, should I ever have to sell the things.
An RCBS single stage press is permanently mounted on the bench in a comfortable location. A Lee Reloader press can be temporarily mounted on the table when I'm in the mood for sequential rather than batch tasks.
I do not keep my OCD meds in the shop although I probably should.
Do a consol style shelving unit... shelving up the sides and overhead with a central work space so that you can reach everything from your stool.
Hoyt - what a disgusting mess! Well, not so much, but I sure wish I had mine organized like that.
Personally, I have a heavily reinforced 4 X 4 legs with 2 X 6 frame bench, 3/4" plywood top in two layers = about 1.375" thick overall, with a white-one-side fibreboard top tacked on top (easily replaceable and keeps the top smooooooth to clean it).
Mine is extra deep since I'm very tall with long arms, and I use those chrome shoe-rack-shelves (mine are from Costco, $19 each X 2) at the back edge where I keep my manuals, dies, calipers, organized spares for the Progressive press, etc. Progressive on the right side, Rockchucker on the left, middle is for the Chargemaster so I can use on both presses if need be. Powder on bottom shelf in snap-lid plastic bins, big labels to find the stuff.
And, like MDF stated, and obviously from the ultra-clean surface of Hoyt's bench, all I do there is reloading - I have an old wooden desk where I bolted down my gun vise and keep the cleaning stuff in the drawers - since I don't want the possible chemical interaction or possibly contamination from cleaning to affect my reloading activities.
O.N.G.
p.s. it doesn't have to cost a lot......total for mine was about $60 in wood/screws plus the two racks at $19 each, plus, oh yeah, a commercial grade power bar for LED overbench lighting, the Chargemaster, and once in a while, the radio.
The Frogge
CGN Regular
- Location
- Prince George, BC
I have a Princess Auto parts bin rack at the back of the bench and mounting points for individual bins along the front edge of the bench. Lets me have components at hand for batch loading and theoretical way of organizing in the back.
(Added more mounting points after the pic was taken.)
(Added more mounting points after the pic was taken.)
I was at my local Princess store last night, and saw some nice tilt-out-drawer parts bins, 6 drawers abreast, on sale for $11.99. I was tempted to get some, but long line at the register and a need to be somewhere else means I'll need to go back. Regular price is $20 each. I believe they're stackable, but need to confirm that.
I can't post the link, but here's the descriptive title of the item plus the SKU:
6 Multistore Tilt-Out Storage Bins
SKU: 8699084
O.N.G.
turbo_bird
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Kamloops, BC
Here's my reloading bench. My grandpa built the bench a few years ago, and I figured it was too nice to use as a work bench in the shop, so I moved it to the basement. Rockchuker on the right, Dillon on the left. I've got some solid old kitchen cabinets beside my safe, and most of my reloading stuff goes in the top one. Bottom one is for loaded ammo mostly. 
I bought a bunch of Akron Mills stackable storage bins in different sizes from Amazon. With the 2 sections of wall hanging rail, I can take out the bins I need and hang them at the back of my bench out of the way. The bins are great, I use them for my gunsmithing tools and parts too, as well as have a few empty ones so that when I disassemble a gun I have a spot for the pieces.
Kristian
I bought a bunch of Akron Mills stackable storage bins in different sizes from Amazon. With the 2 sections of wall hanging rail, I can take out the bins I need and hang them at the back of my bench out of the way. The bins are great, I use them for my gunsmithing tools and parts too, as well as have a few empty ones so that when I disassemble a gun I have a spot for the pieces.
Kristian
